You Know It's You That Calls Me Back Here Baby

For the faithful, your patience is now to be rewarded. This is the time that I unfold unto you the mysteries of the 2011 Baseball season.

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies- Hard to pick against the 4 aces (Ok 2 aces and a pair of kings), however, with Utley to miss extended amounts of time, Rollins not what he was a couple years ago, Werth gone and Howard stuck in a decline, these guys are going to need to win a lot a of one run games. Add in that Lidge is going to miss the first month and the closer duties are falling to Jose Contreras, and this division is going to be extremely tight over the season. Still, I'll take great pitching and mediocre hitting over just about anything. 96 wins

Atlanta Braves - A lot riding on whether Chipper can be productive. Still have good arms around Hudson and Hanson, and even Jair Jurrjens is a decent back end of the rotation guy. They should be competitive, but they're going to fall short when Chipper has to walk away around the All star break. 92 wins.

Florida Marlins - This is the team that needs to decide quickly what it's future is going to be. They're in a a division that next year is going to become really strong with Philly, Atlanta and, gulp, Washington battling it out. I like Johnson and Nolasco, and Stanton can rake the ball. They have young talent, and need to decide whether to stick with this set, or keep building for later. Even though I have them third in the division, I feel they have the second best shot of winning the division. They have the best and most chances to catch lightning in a bottle for a season. However, you still have to catch it, and I don't think they will catch enough. 87 wins.

Washington Nationals - 2011 will just be a preview of what's to come. They added Werth, are taking their time with Strasburg and Harper, and preparing for a massive 2012. I love this team for next year. This year, not enough firepower with Werth being the only start making the opening day roster. 79 wins.

New York Mets - My goodness, how far they have fallen. Let me put it to you this way. Three years ago, Johan Santana was going in the first round of fantasy drafts. In my last draft, he didn't get picked. In a deeper draft I was in, with 14 teams, he went in the 300's. He isn't what he used to be, but who is going to drive in any runs for him? Just a train wreck from top to bottom here. I genuinely feel bad for David Wright at this point. 68 wins.

NL Central - Much like the AL Central, a truly weak division. When the Cardinals can lose their #2 pitcher and are still very much in contention, you're division is weak.

Cincinnati Reds - Nothing broke here, nothing to fix. I do look forward to seeing Aroldis Chapman more, because, well 105 mph heat with a 97 mph slider is just jaw-dropping. It's like watching Jimmer hoist up 28 foot bombs. Gets me out of my seat. Out of the two drafts I was in, he was the only RP I picked up out of choice, not just to fill a roster spot. 96 wins.

St. Louis Cardinals - Pujols. In a contract year. I don't know if he thinks along the lines of big dollars, but if he does, give him the triple crown right now. Carpenter is pitching well, but behind him there isn't much depth. Still, weak division, so they might just steal this one. 90 wins.

Milwaukee Brewers - Fielder is going to rock the ball in his contract year, and Greinke should be able to continue feasting on mediocre teams like he did in the AL Central. At least, once he gets off the DL from his pickup game of basketball. 88 wins.

Chicago Cubs - Not much to like here. Aramis Ramirez laid a turd last year. Alfonso Soriano is battling Jason Giambi for worst contract ever. Zambrano pitches well, when he's not going crazy. Sitll, 4th in their division. 80 wins.

Houston Astros - Even less to like here. 76 wins.

Pittsburgh Pirates - I think I would be willing to pay $1 a game to be a season ticket holder for them, but only if I could renew at that price every year for the next 100. 1 penny more than that, and I would pass. 64 wins.

NL West

San Francisco Giants - Another team with great pitching, but they also have good hitting. I think they'll take this division, but it will be a close one. Favorite part about my fantasy drafts: getting Buster Posey in both of my leagues. 93 wins

Colorado Rockies - Good pitching behind Jimenez and De La Rosa, and you have to feel good about having Tulo and CarGo in the lineup. Personally, big fan of Dexter Fowler. I like my CF speedy with solid batting averages. 91 wins.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Just another year in the desert for this team that seems to have no clue what it is trying to do for it's future. 83 wins.

San Diego Padres - Could turn things up, but probably won't. 77 wins.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Kershaw and Billingsley would make you think that this team has a decent chance, but they don't. No pop in the lineup, and a front office that is in complete disarray. 75 wins, and I'm being generous.

AL East - It ain't what it used to be. It used to be that this division was far away the best one in baseball. It just isn't so anymore.

Boston Red Sox - I went back and forth between the Yankees and them for the top spot, and might even switch it again before this posts, but for now, I'm taking Boston and here's why. Lester is pitching great. Beckett is still pitching well, but not what he used to be. Lackey is a 3 starter, and pitches like it. While I don't trust Papelbon, he still gets the job done. (PS I love that they picked up Bobby Jenks, but I only love it because it means my White Sox don't have him anymore. Was great in 2005-2006. Has slowly scared me more and more each year since.) They added Adrian Gonzalez, who will have a big year, but knowing that they more or less had to cut Beltre to get him, the added production from that move will not be that drastic. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Crawford signing may put them over the top, even though he's horribly overpaid. 97 wins.

New York Yankees - Had they landed Cliff Lee, they would be the favorite for the entire American League. Since they didn't land anyone, they land themselves here in the 2 spot. When you're season is hinging on AJ Burnett returning to form, and don't kid yourselves, it really is at this point, you're in trouble. CC is great, and I am believing more and more in Phil Hughes. The offense is still there, and Granderson might just have a great year if he continues hitting like he did after the all-star break. Still, too many question marks and a very shaky back end of the rotation and bullpen. Just like every year. 95 wins.

Toronto Blue Jays - Why them and not the Rays? Mostly because I think they can put it together, and the players they traded away won't be as detrimental as the ones the Rays lost. Don't think they'll contend, but they might look like it during the first month. 88 wins.

Tampa Bay Rays - Just lost too many pieces to be considered contenders again. And that stadium, my goodness. I do discount them because they play in a dump that never sells out. Not even for the World Series. 85 wins.

Baltimore Orioles - Lot of young talent and Showalter can work magic. Just don't think this is the year for it to happen 80 wins.

AL Central - Otherwise known as the weakest division in all of baseball

Chicago White Sox - Not just because I'm a homer for them, but because Danks, Buehrle, Jackson, Floyd and eventually Peavy make the best rotation in this division. We added Adam Dunn to provide the power we lost from Jermaine Dye (Who still hasn't signed with a team since we released him after the 2009 season) and Jim Thome. Hopefully, Quentin can finally rebound, and Konerko can come close to the career year he had last year. Either way, in this land of the bland, the one eyed man is king. 89 wins.

Minnesota Twins - The first time I saw Liriano pitch was back in 2006. I remember watching this big guy dominate batters. And then they would cut to Johan Santana in the bull pen. All I could think was, glad we won it all in 2005, cause we're screwed for the next decade. A trade of Santana and some injuries to Liriano erased that nightmare, but Liriano is back in top form, and with a resurgent Carl Pavano, the Twins are going to be nipping at Chicago's heels all season long. I just don't think Thome is going to have the year he had last year, and Morneau is one dink on the head from retirement. Mauer is still the best catcher in ball, but you need 8 other guys in the lineup. 86 wins.

Detroit Tigers - Verlander still has the prettiest pitching motion I've ever seen, and Cabrera figured out the weight thing, not quite the DUI thing, but one at a time for the guy. Problem is, there isn't a whole lot beyond those two on this club. A couple young guys that might break out, but nothing to bet on. 81 wins.

Kansas City Royals - One of the few teams where finishing fourth is going to be considered a great success. Such a young talented team, they're bound to do something this year. For their sake, I hope they're able to develop a young nucleus and keep them for a decade. I doubt it though. 78 wins.

Cleveland Indians - Name me three Indians right now. Jake Westbroook, Grady Sizemore and... exactly. 67 wins.

AL West - Or the "We used to be good" division

Texas Rangers - Even without Cliff Lee, these guys have to be the favorites. Nobody in the division got better, and no adding Vernon Wells's massive contract does not in any way make you better. Plus, they still have the young hitter, even Michael Young, but he might be a little disgruntled after all the trade talk. 90 wins.

Oakland Athletics - I don't have a lot of logical reasons for them to be here. I just couldn't pick the Angels. 82 wins.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Not much to see here. However, of all the picks, I feel this one is easily the one most likely to be wrong, because there won't be much separating them from the Athletics. 81 wins.

Seattle Mariners - Ok, they're still bad, but they can't be as bad as they were last year. That was the worst team hitting since the DH. Still, they'll be last in the west. 70 wins.

To recap: (Playoff Teams)

NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Nationals, Mets

NL Central: Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Astros, Pirates

NL West: Giants, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Padres, Dodgers

AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, Orioles

AL Central: White Sox, Twins, Tigers, Royals, Indians

AL West: Rangers, Athletics, Angels, Mariners

Phillies over Giants, Reds over Braves; Phillies over Reds

White Sox over Red Sox, Yankees over Rangers; Yankees over White Sox

Phillies over Yankees

AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez

NL MVP: Pujols, Votto, Fielder

AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, CC Sabathia, Jon Lester

NL Cy Young: Halladay, Cliff Lee, Lincecum

AL All Star Starters - Adrian Gonzalez, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Joe Mauer, Carl Crawford, Curtis Granderson, Ichiro, Felix Hernandez. (If there's a DH - Teixeira)

NL All Star Starters- Albert Pujols, Utley, Reyes, Beltre, Buter Posey, Werth, Victorino, Mike Stanton, Roy Halladay. (DH- Joey Votto)

There you have it. This is what you should have put down if you wanted to have a chance at winning my money. I look forward to collecting all of your pretty signed dollar bills.

Word.

Nothing Like The View From the Cheap Seats

Contest deadline- March 31st Noon EST. Make sure to submit by then.

Word.

His Eyes Are Cold And Restless, His Wounds Have Almost Healed

About two weeks ago, we were all taking in the Jimmer show. It was during the regular season, and the game was being carried by Versus. We came out victorious and were reveling in our success. Meanwhile, Versus switched to their normal programming of the Professional Bull Riding tour. Yes, there are professionals, and yes, they do have a tour. Well, at some point during this I say "That looks awesome". Mike hears this and tells me that he knows a guy down in Payson who rides bulls. He then tells me that they have an open night where anyone with $40 can ride a bull. I say "That sounds awesome". He asks if I would do it if he could raise the money. Of course I will.

I have a couple of friends. I don't know a single one of them that if asked "Would you pay $5 to see Rick get thrown by a bull?" would say no. They all would say either yes, or "Only $5?" I think he had the money raised in surplus within about 10 minutes and 3 mass texts.

So, this past Monday, we had an unofficial FHE at the Spanish Fork fairgrounds. I say unofficial for two reasons: 1) the official activity was swing dancing lessons with two other wards, and 2) the turn-out for this activity was about double what we normally get at FHE. I go to sign up and they look at me in my hoodie and tennis shoes and ask if I'm the first timer. Not "a" first timer, but "the" first timer. I say yes and ask if there are any other first timers. "We usually get one a night. But they never come back." Greeeaaat.

I go down to the pen and there are about 15 or so other guys shooting the breeze, prepping for their ride and picking out their bull. I show up and start talking with anyone who would listen. I had two questions that I needed answered. The first was how do I make sure I don't die. I felt that was an important question. The second was whether I could use someone's vest and helmet. Both were answered simply and I had things set up. I then spent about 40 minutes getting advice from a couple different guys about how to do well. They probably could have told me all of it in 15 minutes, but since every third word was some bull-riding jargon, I had to keep saying "I don't know what that word means. Please explain it to me." Soon though, I had my confidence and my gear and they had more or less assigned me a bull to ride.

One of the guys who helped me out a lot put the ropes on the bull and told me how to mount him. I was waiting my turn and my bull was next in line. Thing is, the bull that was first in line wasn't ready. So they asked if someone was ready, and next thing I know, all the handlers are moving towards my bull and I'm told I'm going right then. A little rushed, but not too worried because I had received enough of the same advice from a different sources that I felt comfortable in what I was going to do. I didn't think I was going to do great, I just felt comfortable that I would put on a decent show and live to tell about it.

So I'm on the bull, I've got the rope in my hand and I'm posturing the right way, when the guy outside the gate tells me to "Go with the bull when the gate opens". This threw me for a loop because I hadn't heard that before, and couldn't imagine any other option. When that gate opened I was going with the bull no matter what. He jumps I jump. He turns I turn. I'm going with him. (Turns out, what he meant was that some people don't lean in to the turn out of the gate. Like riding a motorcycle and you have to throw your body into the turns, same with the bull. Some people try to stay upright and they get tossed into the walls. Not good).

Next thing I know, I'm nodding my head and the gate opens. The bull takes a couple quick steps out of the gate and I lean with him. Then he sits down. Not even kidding. Took like three steps and went to the ground. I knew what to do if the bull went right or left, kicked with the front or the back, but no one told me what to do if he sat down. So I paused for a second and thought about getting off when I hear one of the bull fighters tell me to stay on. Just as I'm gearing back to staying on the bull stands up and jostles me off balance. A quick leap from him and I'm flying off. I crash on my right hip, and then hop up to my feet, scrambling for the nearest wall to climb. Above all else, everyone told me to run to a wall as soon as I left the bull.

I hear my cheering section going crazy for me and I think I gave them a wave. I honestly don't remember because the adrenaline was finally coursing through me at this time. I have this condition where the adrenaline doesn't really kick in for me until after the task is done. I keep things calm and collected all through whatever ordeal is happening, but then once it's over, I have to regroup. I felt like vomiting from the biochemical rush. I sat up on the fence and took a couple deep breaths until the feelings passed. The guys who I spoke with all told me I did a great job for a first time. I told them all thanks for all the help and after I realized I wouldn't have time for a second ride (Oh, did I tell you my friends paid for me to ride twice, regardless of the outcome of the first ride? Yeah. They're great friends), I headed back to my group. Right about then was when I started to feel my hip. It was sore like I haven't been before.

I could barely go from sitting to standing or vice versa. I walked with a pronounced limp for the rest of the night. Tuesday morning, I couldn't put any weight on it. I had to sit down to put my pants, socks and shoes on. It took me three times as long to get into and out of my car. And if I tried to push laterally, a sharp pain shot through my hip letting me know that it wasn't an option. I had to plan how I was going to roll into and out of bed. Wednesday was similar but not as bad. By Thursday the limp was gone, but I still could feel the pain if I stressed it sideways. Finally today I'm at the point where it only hurts if I push on it. I feel it a little getting in and out of the car, but nothing bad.

On Wednesday, Megan who is in nursing school texting me asking if I took any medication for the pain. I told her I hadn't taken anything. She asked if I liked pain. I told her "The hurt reminds me that I did something awesome."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZBgNjqxTIs

Word.

No One Man Should Have All That Power

I do love this man:

I say that without embarrassment or reservation. He is amazing. When I first moved back to Utah, one of the first social things I did was go up to Salt Lake to watch BYU play Utah. I watched him hang 32 points in the first half, including a half-time buzzer beater from about two steps in front of the center line. Maybe you've seen it. Oh you haven't? Well here's the youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XVMMGI2JcI&feature=related

You're welcome. (I realize there are multiple other videos, but the title and soundtrack of this one struck my fancy, so it got picked). Let me tell you a great story about him and about Wingers.

I love the Wingers. Nothing new there. Been to it at least a dozen or so times since moving back, and probably creeping up on the 50 mark in my lifetime. For the game on Friday night, a group of us wanted to go somewhere and watch it together. Our first choice just so happened to be the first choice for about half of Provo. Hour and a half wait when the game starts in 20 minutes? No thank you. Thankfully, we called over to Wingers and they said they could have all ten of us seated about 10 minutes into the game. Bless their souls.

So, we get there, and about half the mall is standing in their waiting area watching the game. People were standing outside the place watching through the window. We were sitting down within 4 minutes of game time. Amazingly, in those four minutes, The Jimmer had already poured in about 16 points. For those who don't follow college basketball, an average player score about 10 a game. A good player scores about 18 a game. A great player scores about 22 a game. Jimmer - 28.5 a game, average. Leading the nation by a wide margin. So, to see him go off for a quick 16 wasn't too shocking, but it certainly was delightful.

It should be noted that the Jimmer had tried to eclipse his own BYU single game record of 48 a couple times that season. He went off for a couple big first halves, but then either didn't the touches, or the minutes to get to the elusive 50 mark. Well, Friday night, he swished a three to get to 47 with about three minutes remaining on the clock. Next possession, he drives the lane, and gets fouled while putting up an off-balance shot.

It drops. 49 and a trip to the free throw line. (First and only free throw attempt of the game mind you. He just is not getting any foul calls any more, and it has lowered the number of times he takes it to the hoop. Effectively eliminated his slash and kick game.) He buries the free throw, and the entire place erupts. I've been in sports bars during big games. I've gone to the local eatery to watch the big UFC fight. Nothing compared to the noise and commotion I witnessed at a Wingers, over a Mountain West Conference semi-final game. Loudest non-stadium sporting event I've ever been a part of.

When coach Rose decided to pull The Jimmer with about 20 seconds or so left (he made another jumper to finish with 52), the entire restaurant gave The Jimmer a round of applause. Yes, we realized that the game was being played some 400 miles away, and that no matter how hard we clapped, he would never hear it. Doesn't matter.

Ask me if I stood while I clapped? You know I did. After a performance like that, I had to. It's like if I saw a pitcher throw a shutout, or someone hit for the cycle. You just have to let them know how positively pleased you are that they personified excellence. They don't know who you are and never will. They don't take in all the individual people's expressions of gratitude, but they do feel the cumulative effect, and I want to chip in what I can.

Can't wait for the brackets to come out. Truly giddy about our chance to make it to the Sweet Sixteen and, fingers crossed, beyond.

Word.

Turn Around, Look At What You See

Here it is. #100. You've been waiting for it, and I've been.... too busy to put it together. When you work about 55-60 hours a week, things get a little busy. Now, how does one work that many hours? Glad you asked. I'm a little excited to brag about the fact that I'm gainfully employed, because well, I haven't been at a 40 hour a week position since that one month right after I graduated where I moved to Arizona and worked for Countrywide/Bank of America. Do you realize that since that time, I've lived in three different states, and two different countries? That's how long it's been since I worked a 40 hour week.

And let me tell you, it is an adjustment. I come home and am pretty tired. Ask me what time I went to bed last night. 10:30. Not even kidding. And slept like a baby until 7am. It was heaven. I don't get to do that often because I have to fit the other 15-20 hours of work in. I'm also going to be the MCAT teacher for Kaplan starting in a couple weeks. Right now I have a training program to go through that is pretty hard core. We have to prep the material as though we were teaching the class, and then teach the other instructors in training, as well as our instructor. For the record, I did score well, but that was nearly five years ago, and I've had to re-learn a good chunk of that material. Hence, the long hours of prep for a 4 hour training meeting.

But yeah. That's why it has been over two weeks since the last post. I wake up, go to work, come home, eat some dinner, and then if there isn't FHE/BYU basketball/Stake basketball, I'm probably studying the Kaplan material before watching a movie and going to bed. I know. Try to hide your jealousy. It's embarrassing me.

In the meantime, I dream of Baseball. Ok, maybe not always in the meantime. Maybe right in the middle of things. Maybe I did check to see when the White Sox played in Oakland, the only stadium west of the Rockies that I haven't been to yet (May 13-15. A weekend. I'm this close to buying tickets already. The Saturday game is also Mark Ellis Bat Day. Talk about my wheel house.). And maybe I did check and see what would be a good weekend to shoot over to Denver to watch the Rockies. What of it?

I do love me some Baseball, and now that Spring Training is in full swing, it's like the sun coming out of the ocean. At first, you can't even see it, but the horizon goes purple, letting you know that it's on its way. Then, you notice a point due East that takes on a red and then orange hue. By now, you can't even speak, for fear that you'll miss that magical moment where night unequivocally becomes day. Finally, the ball of fire emerges from the sea, and light scatters everywhere, making the world new again.

That's like Opening Day to me. It just makes every other part of life a little bit brighter, and little bit better. Colors are more vibrant. Girls are more attractive. Apple pie is more... well apple pie is always awesome, but it does become slightly more awesome. Baseball makes the world go round. That's a scientific fact.

And now, it once again is upon us. And once again, I have lain down the gauntlet, challenging all comers to test their wits and steel against mine. Much like Atreyu just before Fantasia fragments due to the nothing, I stare at you and say "Come after me Gmork!" I will vanquish all challengers to my throne. It's just what I do.

So get your game face on. Crunch your numbers. Your picks are due by noon Eastern time on March 31st. That's less than four weeks away. Think about what Beckett's concussion like symptoms will mean to the already shaky Boston staff. Think about how Adam Wainwright going in for Tommy John might effectively end the Cardinals hopes for the playoffs. Think about how losing Cliff Lee puts the Rangers division hopes in jeopardy.

And know that I've already spent time thinking about these things while you were sleeping.

Come after Gmork! I am Atreyu!

Word.